The spec cpl test reveals important clues for diagnosing pancreatitis in a variety of cases

The Spec cPL™ (canine pancreas-specific lipase) Test
reveals important clues for diagnosing pancreatitis in a variety of cases
Overview
IDEXX Reference Laboratories has introduced a new test to measure canine pancreas-specific lipase, Spec cPL, allowing practitioners to more immediately and accurately diagnose pancreatitis in dogs. Until now, pancreatitis has been difficult to diagnose and monitor for two reasons. First, clinical signs are nonspecific and include vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, weakness and dehydration.1 Second, routine CBC and serum chemistry results are generally nonspecific in dogs with pancreatitis.
IDEXX Reference Laboratories has collaborated with Dr. Jörg Steiner and Dr. David Williams at the Gastrointestinal Laboratory at the Texas A&M to refine their cPLI assay by using a recombinant antigen and monoclonal antibodies. The result: the Spec cPL Test, which measures pancreas-specific lipase concentrations in the bloodstream. With accurate results to you in just 12 to 24 hours, it provides you with the timely information you need to manage your cases appropriately, resulting in more positive patient outcomes.
Consider Spec cPL to measure pancreas-specific lipase concentrations in the following scenarios:
Case type
Presenting signs
Severe vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and/or abdominal pain Mild or moderate vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and/or abdominal pain Intermittent or ongoing chronic vomiting or inappetence Monitoring for recurrence or after management Miniature schnauzer with familial hyperlipidemia Overtly clinical, intermittently showing signs or nonclinical Usually nonclinical but predisposed to developing pancreatitis Dogs on other medications including: some Usually nonclinical but may be predisposed to developing pancreatitis chemotherapeutics (e.g., azathioprine), furosemide, tetracycline, aspirin, sulfa antibiotics Unique Diagnostic Advantages of Using Spec cPL with These Cases:
Diagnosing a dog with pancreatitis using Spec cPL lets you:
A normal Spec cPL lets you:
• Confidently take your next treatment steps (hospitalization, • Explore alternative causes for the presenting signs fluid therapy, anti-vomiting medication, pain control, diet) (e.g., gastrointestinal obstruction or neoplasia) because • Differentiate between pancreatitis and gastritis, letting you focus on a normal Spec cPL is very unlikely in a dog with addressing complications associated with pancreatitis • Avoid performing unnecessary or invasive diagnostics (e.g., exploratory • Save the pet owner and your practice the added laparotomy) to determine the cause of the clinical signs worry and expense of diagnosing pancreatitis (e.g., ultrasound). You can focus, instead, on diagnosing and • Prescribe the appropriate diet for pancreatitis and monitor outcome— treating the true cause of the clinical signs.
accurate treatment and monitoring of pancreatitis will positively affect initial outcome and possibly long-term quality of life • Identify cases of pancreatitis that enzymatic amylase/lipase would miss• Establish a baseline for testing and ongoing monitoring during For more information or to order the Spec cPL Test, call
IDEXX Reference Laboratories at 1-888-433-9987
or visit www.idexx.com/speccpl
1. Hess RS, Saunders HM, Van Winkle TJ, et al. Clinical, clinicopathologic, radiographic, and ultrasonographic abnormalities in dogs with fatal acute pancreatitis: 70 cases (1986–1995). J Am Vet Med Assoc 1998;213:665–670. September 2006 IDEXX Spec cPL™
Consider pancreatitis in every dog that presents with
vomiting, anorexia or abdominal pain—and test with Dog with vomiting, anorexia and/or abdominal pain
Laboratory Testing
Chemistry panel
plus
Spec cPL™
Lipase and amylase activity
Urinalysis
2006 IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved • 09-65829-00 (9) Practice what’s possible and Spec cPL are trademarks or registered trademarks of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

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